By the 31st week of pregnancy, you’re already halfway through the 8th month. Things are getting tight in your belly, and thoughts about the upcoming birth may become more frequent. Read on to learn how your baby is developing this week and what’s happening in your body.
How big is your baby in the 31st week of pregnancy?
Your baby is about 28 centimeters long this week—about the size of an ear of corn. The crown-to-heel length is approximately 40 centimeters.
Week 31 of pregnancy: What's changing for you
The shortness of breath you’ve probably been experiencing lately may persist and can accompany you over the next few weeks, until your baby drops down shortly before birth. Especially during exertion, such as climbing stairs, you may notice that your lung capacity is now significantly reduced. Take breaks whenever you need to, and give yourself time to breathe deeply.
Slowly but surely, your body is preparing for birth; this week, your pelvis begins to loosen. By now at the latest, many pregnant women’s breasts start producing colostrum, the nourishing pre-milk that supplies your baby with energy immediately after birth. If you notice that your breasts are already leaking, you can use nursing pads in your bra as needed. But don’t worry if no milk is flowing yet—this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to breastfeed.
Week 31 of pregnancy: Development of your baby
The space available to your baby in your womb is decreasing, and it no longer has enough room to swim around in the amniotic fluid. As your child can move less and less, things may feel a bit calmer for you, and you may notice fewer movements than in previous weeks. In addition, your baby sleeps up to 20 hours a day. So don’t worry if you suddenly no longer feel big somersaults in your belly. Your baby is also adapting its position to the cramped conditions: it presses more against the uterine wall and, if it is already head-down, slowly turns its head toward the birth canal.
The furrow structure of your baby’s brain, which has been developing for several weeks, continues to expand. This allows your child’s brain to gain surface area without the size of the head having to increase, helping keep the head small enough for birth. This is also related to the development of the skull bones.
In line with your child’s development, the skull bones are connected by sutures that are covered only with connective tissue. This allows them to slide against each other as your baby passes through the narrow birth canal. It takes up to two years for the so-called Fontanelle to close completely.
Hypnobirthing
The due date is approaching, and you may be thinking more and more about what to expect. Many expectant mothers are especially concerned about the pain associated with childbirth. One form of childbirth preparation is hypnobirthing. The goal of hypnobirthing is to support a positive and relaxed birth through relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and mental strategies. In a hypnobirthing course, pregnant women are not only thoroughly informed about the birthing process, but also get to know their bodies and are guided to follow their instincts confidently in order to give birth intuitively and autonomously. If you’re interested in this topic, you can learn more about the background of the concept and where you can access alternative childbirth preparation in the article "".
This is now important
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Your baby’s lungs are producing more and more Surfactant , the substance that prevents the lungs from sticking together. Lung maturation is therefore nearly complete, and the chances of survival in the event of a premature birth continue to increase.
Maybe you’ve already noticed over the past few weeks that your sense of smell and taste have changed again. The exact reason for this is unknown—but trust that your body is telling you what is good for you and your baby right now.
Your Maternity Leave! begins in one month. Now is the time to start the handover with your employer and apply for maternity benefits through your insurance.
Tip from LILLYDOO gynecologist Christian
Preparing for life with a baby also means checking whether your own vaccinations—and those of the people close to you—are up to date, to help protect you and your newborn. This includes vaccination against whooping cough starting from the completed 32nd week of pregnancy and, at the earliest, from the 12th week of pregnancy, the COVID-19 vaccination with an mRNA vaccine. In addition, pregnant women are now advised to be tested for hepatitis B through a blood test. If the relevant antigen is detected, further examinations are carried out to assess the potential risk of infection for your child. To prevent infection, your child can be vaccinated immediately after birth if necessary. Your gynecologist will inform and advise you in detail about the tests and vaccinations that are now recommended and sensible.
With our pregnancy calendar, we want to accompany you through this exciting time and provide you with relevant information, also in exchange with our
